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« Odds and Ends: Rolen, Silva, Capps | Main | Fukudome Undecided, Iwase Staying In Japan »
Royals' Interest In Torii Hunter Intensifies
The Kansas City Star's Bob Dutton reports that the Royals' interest in free agent center fielder Torii Hunter has intensified. Dutton first mentioned the club having an eye on Hunter six days ago.
Despite Dayton Moore's public indifference toward Jose Guillen's steroid history, Dutton says that is one reason the Royals are moving toward Hunter. They can definitely afford him, even if they have to pay a premium for being a year or two off from contending. Signing Hunter could open the door to a David DeJesus trade. Dutton's sources present a contrast of opinion, with one calling Hunter a top priority and another considering him a long shot.
Moore surprised the baseball world by outbidding many teams for Gil Meche's services a year ago. That deal looks solid 20% through, and may have added some legitimacy for Kansas City when entertaining free agents.
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interesting, for a lack of a better word. I dont know how far they are going to push this "intensity" if they have to get into a bidding war. but the fact they are willing to lock up the single best all around available outfielder of the year shows they are serious about rebuilding, i dont know if this is where they should be starting though...
Posted by: 04Forever | November 12, 2007 at 12:05 AM
they should start off smaller with the hitting, focus on bulking up on pitching, maybe consider bring in a vet. Tom Glavine seems to come to mind, or a Kenny Rogers type. They already have Gil Meche, which means that is there strongest point, pitching. they should focus more on what they are already good at, then focus on position players
Posted by: 04Forever | November 12, 2007 at 12:09 AM
I respectfully disagree with 04 in regards to pitching.
Don't think you want to sign any 1 year veterans at $8-10m since they won't be competing in 08. They should focus on signing younger guys long term.
Do agree on Hunter though. I am not a big fan of Hunter in KC. He simply isn't good enough to build a team around. Yet, at his salary for a team like KC, that's exactly what you would need to do.
Posted by: bjsguess | November 12, 2007 at 12:18 AM
I don't think pitching is a huge concern for the Royals right now. Sure, it could always get better, but a top three of Meche, Greinke, and Bannister with youngsters Buckner and Hochevar ready is pretty darn solid.
The offense though, was completely anemic. Sure, there's Gordon, Teahen, and Butler, but a solid, proven bat like say, Hunter or Guillen would help the lineup and speed up the learning curve for the youngsters. Is signing one of those two the right move? I don't know, and I'm sure glad I'm not Dayton Moore and don't have to make those decisions.
Posted by: firesticks | November 12, 2007 at 12:20 AM
I would expect regression from at least 2 of Meche/Greinke/Bannister and perhaps all 3. And Hochevar doesn't seem close.
Then again that regression may be balanced out by not having Odalis Perez, Scott Elarton, and Jorge de la Rosa in there in '08.
Posted by: Tim Dierkes | November 12, 2007 at 12:27 AM
thats true, the royals, if the plans they have in place actually pan out, wouldnt need the vet until they establish a winning team, but i cant help but think of the 06 tigers, they werent considered a team that was going to win, they were a team that is expected to win the world series this year, i just hate to see them lose out on a chance to win because they lacked leadership. Id love to see a team like this win, as a sox fan, i love a team of losers that win world series
Posted by: 04Forever | November 12, 2007 at 12:30 AM
I agree, if the money is there, why not go after hunter, whom i actually think can continue to be a very decent hitter into his late 30's, is the verteran hitter every young team needs, gives you a nice reason to trade dejesus to feel some needs, and also will put butts in the seats
Posted by: bravesbeast | November 12, 2007 at 12:32 AM
i think a more logical pick for a center fielder is Andruw Jones, if they HAD to get a center fielder. He provides the power to drive in runs, which is what they need very badly. gold glover over and over again, i think he can really change the face of this teams and put some serious pressure on the indians in 08.
i have an idea, why dont we get a fire storm started in this post too, why dont the royals sign arod? sure it could never happen for a thousand logical reasons, but arod is everything hunter is and more, just alot more money. The team is there for the royals, they just need those one or maybe to guys to put pop in the line up, arod could seriously change the face of this team, if the royals shocked the world for Meche, maybe again for arod? (please dont think i actually think this can/will happen)
Posted by: 04Forever | November 12, 2007 at 12:40 AM
If Hunter signs with any other team than the royals he'll follow the traditional path of regression for a player his age.
If Dayton Moore signs him, he'll win three MVP's and go to the hall of fame. What's the difference? Seems like everything Moore touches turns to gold.
Posted by: Hammondsbird | November 12, 2007 at 12:58 AM
It would be a huge mistake for the Royals to sign Hunter. For a team looking to contend, with a hole in CF, Hunter makes sense. The Royals will not contend in 2008 and don't even need a centerfielder.
There also is no particular reason to think the Royals will be contending in the near future. The AL Central is a very tough division and will remain that way at least for a few years. If and when the Royals are ready to make a move, the last thing they need is a declining, and probably injured Hunter sucking up over $15 million a year in payroll.
Posted by: jehu | November 12, 2007 at 01:03 AM
Hilarious... Hunter said he wanted to play in high african american population (Like Atlanta or DC).. now he is being chased by one of the whitest KC!!!
Posted by: Bonatom | November 12, 2007 at 08:37 AM
KC could sign Hunter and still have money in the bank. I've heard the Royals have been talking about increasing payroll by $20-25. DeJesus is a great trade option. He'd fit perfectly for the team that loses out/can't afford the major free agent center fielders.
Posted by: coryjwilson | November 12, 2007 at 11:05 AM
I don't get why the Royals would want to add an expensive centerfielder who will be in his mid to late 30's by the end of this deal. Add younger players and put money into the draft and stuff that will actually help your team win.
Posted by: scribbletone | November 12, 2007 at 07:53 PM
Not that Hunter wouldn't help the Royals win, but he definately wouldn't get them over the hump to being contenders. That is the job of Gordon, Butler, Moustakas, Meche, Hochevar, and Greinke
Posted by: scribbletone | November 12, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Torii Hunter is most likely a .275-25-90 hitter in an average season. I wonder if the Royals have any interest in making a deal for Jason Bay? If last season was just a fluke then he's at the very least the equal of Hunter with the bat.
Posted by: coryjwilson | November 12, 2007 at 10:58 PM
You guys just don't get it...Its not always about contending and its not always about getting the best player. The Royals have a struggling fan base, a new stadium in construction, and we need some butts in the seats. Hunter is a major name, can outplay Rowand and Jones, and comes at a price The Royals can afford. They can sell him on the young bats around him and the pitching going up, as opposed to being cleared out like in Minnesota, non-existent like in Chicago, or overpaid and worthless like in Texas. Despite being predominantly white city, we have something that is close to his heart in the Negro Leagues Museum and one of the top inner-city Little League movements in the country. Just get used to it, the Royals are not a punching bag any longer. Glass has stepped back and let Moore do what he does, and he hasn't made a misstep yet
Posted by: kcroyal1980 | November 14, 2007 at 10:10 AM